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On the first two days of the tournament, played between 1st–3rd May, Switzerland went top of the points table after winning 4 of their 5 matches against Austrian, German and Slovakian teams, and only losing the 5th by a single run. On the final day Switzerland met Germany’s Munich side in a semi-final and left no doubt about booking their place in the final against the Austrian team.

The Swiss had moved from strength to strength. Having got to know each other better in the previous two days the side began to really gel well by the middle of the second day. Individual players rose to new heights each match and everyone’s bowling was taking wickets. Helping and supporting each other, and with batting and bowling partnerships consolidating, this was going to be a tough team to beat in the final.

Winning the toss, Simon put the Austrians in to bat. Anthony stunned the opening batsman by clean bowling both in the first over. He had been bowling consistently throughout the tournament and he is proving to be an invaluable opening bowler. Typically, the bowling performance, though, was not confined to the opening bowler. Arnav, Arthur, Harry and Anil also took a wicket each, while James and Simon both took two each. Good catches were taken by ‘safe-hands’ Neil and an absolute stunner by Anil. The damage was done. With so many wickets lost, no team was ever going to post a high total.

The Swiss were left to chase 110. Our reliable opening batsmen Jai and Arthur did their job well, seeing off the opening bowlers with no loss of wickets. Alex and James then intelligently hit their way to an incredible 72 runs. With Simon and Arnav adding another big 52 and Neil and Manu a further clever 50, the match was quickly decided. Nevertheless, Anthony and Anil batted sensibly and the final score of 252 spoke volumes of the progress being made by this young team, most of who will remain with the side next year, too.

We are most grateful to ACC Vienna for hosting the tournament which offers so much opportunity to so many young players in the region. The matches were enjoyed by players and families alike and the huge amount of work that went into the organisation of the three days was greatly appreciated. We look forward to hosting many of those who attended the tournament at our own junior tournament high up in the Alps in Zuoz in June. Many thanks too to the parents of those players selected to play for the team. It is their cooperation and support which makes such events both possible and fun.

Congratulations to fellow coach Ivo Favotto and to the players for working so hard. They deserved their success. The following players took part: Arthur Beard (Basle), James Boakes (Zurich), Neil Creba-Wright (Basle), Alex Favotto (Zurich), Harry Gardner (Zurich), Simon Henderson (Zurich), Anthony Palmiero (Zurich), Arnav Sandu (Cossonay), Manu Singh (Basle), Anil Singh (Basle), Jai Sinh (Cossonay).